How newly approved environment university will tackle Ogoni’s ecological woes

President Bola Tinubu recently signed the bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Tai in Ogoni land.

For decades, Ogoni land has suffered severe ecological damage due to oil exploration, leaving the region’s economy, health and livelihoods in crisis.

Experts believe that this new institution could be a game-changer in reversing decades of environmental harm—if properly structured and implemented.

Igwebuike Ijeoma, a global expert in climate change governance, described it as a crucial milestone in addressing the deep-rooted environmental injustice that have plagued the people of the Niger Delta for decades.

Ijeoma, Nigeria’s Country Representative for the World Council for Renewable Energy (WCRE) and CEO of Schrodinger Greentech, told BusinessDay that the Niger Delta is internationally recognized as one of the most severely degraded ecosystems.

He emphasized that establishing the university is not just a symbolic gesture, but a tangible step toward addressing historical injustice and driving environmental restoration.

According to him, “Ogoni people have endured decades of environmental degradation caused by hydrocarbon exploration, which has devastated their livelihoods, economy and health.

“The physical environment is the foundation of any sustainable economy and its destruction translates to extreme hardship for the people. This university is a step in the right direction, though it should have been done two or three decades ago.”

However, Ijeoma cautioned against allowing it to operate under the conventional Nigerian university system, citing concerns over declining academic standards in public institutions. Instead, he strongly advocated for the university to be transformed into an international center of excellence in environmental restoration and biodiversity recovery.

“I advise the president to ensure that this university is not just another conventional institution, but a globally recognised environmental university.

“The Ogoni cleanup efforts are based on reports by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). Therefore, the university should be directly linked to UNEP either by being run under its guidance or by collaborating with global environmental bodies. This will ensure that it receives the technical and financial resources needed to drive real change.”

Ijeoma stressed that internationalising the university would attract global faculty, research funding and investment into the region, ultimately stimulating economic growth for Ogoni people.

He urged government to recruit at least 50-60 percent of the university’s faculty from international environmental experts to elevate its status and ensure credibility.

“The Niger Delta’s environmental crisis is not just a Nigerian issue; it is of international concern. By globalizing this university, we can bring in world-class expertise, establish strong partnership and secure sustainable funding. This will ensure that the institution fulfills its mandate of environmental restoration and resilience-building.”

The climate governance expert noted that the university’s presence would naturally generate economic opportunities in the region, but internationalization would amplify these benefits.

He highlighted the need for international investments in biodiversity recovery, sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience programmes to support the affected communities.

“The economy is a subset of the environment. If the environment is destroyed, so is the economy and the people’s livelihood. This university should be a beacon of hope for environmental recovery and resilience in the Niger Delta.”

Reacting to concerns if the university represents a genuine commitment to environmental restoration or mere political rhetoric, Ijeoma urged the president to go beyond symbolic gestures. He warned that without proper international oversight, the initiative risks becoming another failed government project.

“The president must ensure that this does not become just another political showboating exercise. Internationalizing this university is the only way to guarantee its success and longevity. Let it not run on the Nigerian template. Environmental issues are on the global front burner and this institution should be positioned as a key player in global climate action.”

He also referenced the ongoing struggles of the Ogoni people, noting that environmental degradation in the region has resulted in thousands of avoidable deaths since the execution of activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni leaders, and called for urgent action to prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods.

“Aside from the well-known losses like Saro-Wiwa, tens of thousands of people have died due to environmental pollution and neglect in the Niger Delta. This university must be a turning point in the fight for environmental justice. If handled correctly, it could become a global model for environmental rehabilitation and sustainable development.”

Ijeoma concluded by urging the federal government to integrate the university with the existing cleanup efforts, particularly the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and to ensure that it serves as a catalyst for real change in the region.

Agwu Nkwa Amadi, President of the West African Postgraduate College of Environmental Health, said, “Its establishment is a very important step for the region, especially given its environmental challenges.

This university will not only focus on academic excellence, but will also play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing environmental degradation issues in the area.”

The region has suffered years of environmental degradation from oil exploration activities, with significant loss of lives and resources. Notably, Ogoni people have long demanded action to mitigate the impact of pollution in the area.

The university, according to Amadi, will play a crucial role in environmental remediation through research, innovation and community-driven efforts.

The university is expected to specialize in fields such as environmental health, water, sanitation, hygiene, disaster management and environmental health and epidemiology.

Amadi highlighted the importance of these faculties in tackling local environmental issues and contributing to broader national policy development in environmental management.

“This is a genuine commitment by the president to address the long-standing environmental challenges in Ogoni land and beyond. It reflects the country’s recognition of the importance of specialized educational institutions that can drive change.”

The university’s structure will follow the conventional academic framework, with faculties, departments and research centers designed to focus on the unique environmental challenges faced by Ogoni land. It is expected to catalyze significant economic development, enhance community empowerment and bring long-term environmental restoration for Ogoni people.

He urged the people of Ogoni land to embrace the university as their own project. “The most important thing is for the community to take ownership of this development. This is their chance to transform the environmental landscape, improve their livelihood and contribute to the future of environmental sustainability.”

Akugbe Iyamu, Air Vice Marshal (rtd) and President of the Environment Protection and Climate Change Practitioners, commended President Tinubu for signing the bill.

Iyamu praised Tinubu’s boldness, noting that previous administrations lacked the courage to take such a step. He emphasized that the university would provide educational opportunities for indigent Ogoni children, stimulate the local economy and address long-standing environmental challenges in the region.

“It will not only focus on environmental studies and the crisis surrounding our natural resources, but also help tackle unemployment by fostering job creation, businesses and cottage industries around the campus,” he said.

He added that by signing the bill into law, Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward addressing historical grievances while creating new opportunities for learning, clean energy solutions and sustainable economic growth.